Suitable places to ride for beginners??

[Linda & Jessica]

After pestering so many of you for riding partners I am pleased to announce we've ridden for the last 3 weekends straight, and plan on riding again tomorrow too. :-) Our group consists of 2 mature ladies, (one of which was struck by a car while riding, killing the horse and busting her up pretty bad), two teen riders with little experience and no fears, and a 10 year old inexperienced rider with a pushbutton horse. We need to call ourselves "The Apple Dumpling Gang"! I am trying to locate suitable safe spots for beginner riders of all ages to ride. We have gone to the road beside Cedar Forrest Flea Market which is 7 miles long. It's a gently rolling slightly curved road with 1 car passing by the entire ride. I am looking for similar places to help build confidence and still be considered a good outing for young eager riders and older nervous riders alike. We live in the Norene area, but are willing to travel to Smyrna, Murfreesboro,Watertown, or just about anywhere within reason for a comfortable trail ride. We are willing to sign wavers to ride on private properties,or if you have a cautious group like us, and don't mind us tagging along, drop a note and we'll get set up to go with you. Any suggestions?

Thanks., Linda

[Linda & Jessica]

Jan, Will you be posting the info on this site? Also, how far are you from Murfreesboro?

[Jan Davis]

I am in Burkesville. We are organizing several fun Ladies Only weekends in October. Trail rides on confidence building terrain, a cow sorting ladies only beginner clinic, a wine tasting gourmet camp out and slow ride, and welcome inexperienced riders. We are convenient to Dale Hollow and all weekends/events offer access for easy pull around trailer parking/loading/unloading,choice of B&B lodge, or campout with electric hookups. Horse accomodations are safe, secure new wood paddocks or brand new stalls.
Some will be free, some will be for a fee. And if you have your own group we can even tailor a weekend to just your group! Fun for all!

[Sue]

East Fork has something for everyone, they even have a bunch of wagon trails... VERY safe for beginner riders. Wide, flat and plenty of them.

[Jackie Allen]

sounds good to me,I'm headed to Big South Fork this weekend but might try Why not next weekend,if not we can go somewhere

[Linda & Jessica]

Hi everyone, and thanks for all the suggestions! Adrienne, Laurel Hill has been suggested and sounds lovely!! I really want to go there sometime. Give me a holler if you'd like to plan a trip. Jackie, We've still got to meet up and ride, and East Fork sounds good too. I'll need to get directions from you and meet up to go. Joel, I've also joined the Twin Forks Wranglers but have not met anyone yet. I've been lucky enough to ride the past few weekends but it looks like rain will probably get us again this weekend too. We need to set up a ride and go!!! What do you guys say?? Linda

[Jackie Allen]

Hey Linda,I'd love to ride with ya'll,have you been to East Fork in Smyrna?the only bad part is I think the mesquitoes are so bad

[joelpcox]

If you haven't already, I would trailer over to the Twin Forks trail in the Walter Hill/Leanna area. The trails are very tame and travel along the East Fork (and possibly the West fork) of the Stones River. There are at least 3 access points to enter the trail. Let me know if you need directions.

There is actually a gang on here called Twin Forks Wranglers. Find it and join. I am a member of that group but have never actually met any of the others. Maybe 1 day some of us can connect there and ride together.

[Adrienne Walsh]

Good for you! I have a group of ladies and kids that I ride with and we have soooo much fun. We usually ride at Many Cedars, Why Not, or the Natchez Trace. I have also been to Yanali and Laurel Hill WMA. Laurel Hill and Many Cedars are both off the Natchez Trace, Many Cedars on the west side, Laurel Hill on the east side. We are going to the Women on the Edge ride at Timber Ridge this coming week. I can't wait! I will try to get in touch with you the next time we go somewhere local. We are not wild riders (well, the older of us aren't) and pretty much just like to just ease along. Do you have gaited horses or quarter horses? Our group is a mixed bag of both.

[Linda Grajewski]

Check out the Maury County Mounted Ministry website. They have organized rides at least once a month, go slow and safe and take care of people. Great people to ride with and they mostly ride trotting horses and go slow. If you need extra care just let them know ahead of time.

[Ken Scott]

Linda, The low trail at Granville is very easy. Anyone should be able to ride there. Ken